Hole In Plecs Fin!

[HooleyHoop]

Hi all,


I have a common plec in my 200L tank and until recently had had a few parrot cichlids (young) in there as well. I noticed that parrots were being aggressive to all fish but in particular one of the parrots just wouldnt leave the plec alone when he was trying to feed. As a result I got rid of the parrots and the day after I noticed a large hole in the plecs dorsal fin (assume its called dorsal fin, on his back...not up on such terminology). I did some research on the net and concluded that he had either ripped it on a rock or the parrots had nipped at it a fair bit which when I look back at it, they did seem to be doing but I never got a 100% clear sight of this.

Anyway the hole as I say was large and covered the middle portion (highest) point of his fin....you could probably fit a little finger through it. The sites I read said that he should heal up pretty quick so I let it be....in the next couple of days it has become worse, the fin now has a complete gap between the rear of it and front. The spines in the fin are just connected to his back and nothing else.

So my question is....is this just a case of him shedding dead fin before he regrows it or could it be something unrelated like fin rot?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Oh and he is swimming around fine, active at night as usual, eating and isnt shy about it.

If you see my previous posts you will see that I cycled with fish due to bad advice. I have been doing daily water changes in general but the last two days have reduced this to every other day.

My stats are: ammonia: 0, ph: 7, nitrite: 2 (just cant get it down) and nitrate : 10.

Cheers

Chris

 

[Stacey13]

I don't know much about fin rot........ but you say it's a hole? As in the missing piece of fin is bordered on all sides with, well, fin? I thought that fin rot would begin from the outside edges........ of course I could be wrong, like I said I don't know much about fin rot.
I have had experience with holes in a pleco's fin however....... I recommend adding Melafix. My pleco usually heals up pretty quick, and sometimes he does seems to get worse before he gets better.
Have you tried Prime to deal with your nitrite problem?

 

[HooleyHoop]

It started as a hole yes, its gone to more of a gap now. Not seen any signs of fin rot, but again I'm no expert...

will look at Melafix tomorrow when I nip to my lfs. Never heard of Prime, whats the basic gist of it?

ta

chris

 

[Stacey13]

Prime will detoxify ammonia and nitrite. (not remove, just detoxify) so it's still available for your good bacteria to consume. It's a little on the pricey side, but well worth it in my opinion. It should be available locally, if you're in North America or Europe anyway. Google "Seachem Prime" for more info if you like. Definitely a very necessary chemical, IMO, especially if you're cycling with fish.
Also, if you are using it to detoxify ammonia or nitrite (it's also a water conditioner) it should be added daily, since it "exhausts itself" after about 24 hours.

 

[Spooky76]

Your nitrite will come down. I would do a water change again. It has to come down, keep doing 10% changes then test an hour later if its not gone down take another 10% out.

As for the hole, I would agree with Stacey. add melafix and keep your eye on it.

 

[HooleyHoop]

Thanks stacey and spooky. Will get the Melafix after work tonight.

Chris

 

[HooleyHoop]

quick update:


Plecs fin looking better and starting to slowly grow back which I am happy about.

Also my stats are now:

Ph : 7
Ammonium: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 10

Much happier with the stats and they have been stable for 2 days. Lets hope it continues